Position Summary:

The Animal Keeper plays a vital role in providing daily care, enrichment, and support for animals in our shelter. This position is responsible for maintaining the health and well-being of a diverse population of shelter animals, including dogs, cats, and small mammals. The Animal Keeper ensures animals are cared for in accordance with shelter policies, best practices, and animal welfare standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide daily care for shelter animals, including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment activities.
• Monitor animal health and behavior, reporting any concerns to supervisors or crew leads.
• Maintain clean and sanitary animal housing areas, including kennels, cages, and play yards.
• Support the behavioral and emotional needs of animals through positive handling, enrichment, and socialization.
• Assist with animal movement throughout the shelter, including adoptions, transfers, and fosters.
• Provide excellent customer service to the public, adopters, and volunteers, answering questions about animals as needed.
• Follow safety protocols and ensure proper use of equipment and cleaning supplies.
• Participate in training and development activities to improve skills and knowledge in animal care.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 3 months of hands-on animal handling experience (e.g., shelter, veterinary clinic, boarding facility, wildlife rehab, or farm).
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods, and exposure to animal waste, cleaning chemicals, and a noisy environment.
• Strong communication and ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Commitment to humane animal care and shelter best practices.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Preferred (optional)

• Demonstrated Microsoft Office skills 
• BS or MS in a biological science
• Experience working in an animal facility or Veterinary Hospital
• Knowledge in animal facility operations
• Knowledge of animal health and management issues